National Dog Bite Prevention Week® is an annual event that aims to educate people about dog behavior, responsible pet ownership, and how to prevent dog bites.
Dog bites are a common problem in the United States, with millions of people getting bitten by dogs each year. Children are particularly vulnerable, and they are more likely to be bitten by a dog than adults.
In 2020, insurance companies disbursed $853.7 million to cover 16,991 claims for dog bites and injuries, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Despite a 4.6% decrease in the number of dog-related injury claims from the previous year, the amount paid for such claims hit a record high in 2020, increasing by 7.1%. The average payment per claim also rose by 12.3%, from $44,760 in 2019 to $50,245 in 2020.
Dog Bite Prevention
The good news is that the majority of dog bites are preventable. By understanding dog behavior and following some simple safety guidelines, people can reduce their risk of being bitten. Some of the things that people can do to prevent dog bites include:
- Teaching children how to interact safely with dogs, such as not approaching unfamiliar dogs or petting dogs without permission.
- Socializing dogs from an early age and providing them with proper training and exercise.
- Avoiding risky situations, such as approaching a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- Being aware of the signs that a dog is uncomfortable or afraid, such as growling, snarling, or backing away.
- Never leaving young children unsupervised with a dog, no matter how well-behaved the dog may be.
By taking these and other safety measures, people can reduce the risk of dog bites and help to create safer and happier communities for both humans and dogs.